1 Jan 1812 Jahr - Invasion of Russia

Beschreibung:

The Russian tsar was worried about the country becoming a second-rate power. In 1810 Russia breaks the continental trade blockade with the UK.

Napoleon retaliated by sending a strong 600K army to Moscow, comprised of Frenchmen in 50%, with the rest coming from dependent territories.

Napoleon's assumption was that the Russian army would confront him near the borders. However, that didn't happen. Instead, the Russians kept retreating, burning towns and villages behind them, which made obtaining supplies extremely difficult for the already poorly provisioned troops, unprepared for a long Winter march.

The Russians confronted Napoleon's army in Borodino (1812), close to Moscow. The battle ended with significant losses on both sides, with the Russians in retreat but not defeated.

Hoping it would force tsar Alexander I to negotiations and counting on supplies and rest, the French army entered Moscow. Neither of the hopes came true, however, since the city had been burned to the ground. With the army decimated, retreat was the only option. Countless soldiers lost their lives on the way home, due to the very harsh conditions of a Russian Winter. Out of 600K, less than 40K made it back.

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